Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Thirty Four Years and Counting - and Snow Update

News Update: More snow in Colorado. The University is closed again! Kristen is going stir crazy in the house with 3 kids unable to go anywhere. It's not as bad as last time, but there may be more to come. On top of the already rutted streets, it's not going to be pretty trying to drive around on the side streets of our town.

December 27, 1972. Rehearsal Dinner. The groom was so nervous that he could not enjoy the meal.

December 28, 1972, early afternoon: The bride drove by the tux shop and saw the groom - gunned her Mustang so that the groom didn't see her - the old legend says that the groom is not to see the bride before the wedding (that certainly has gone the way of the dinosaur since most pictures are now taken before the ceremony).

December 28, 1972, 6:00 p.m. - The florist messed up and didn't send the boutinerres, nor the bouquet intended for the bride to throw. The boutinerres arrived just in time, the extra bouquet never did arrive.

December 28, 1972, 7:00 p.m. - The wedding began. The bride had wanted the two of them to sing to each other. The groom said he didn't think he could do that. It's a good thing he knew himself that well, judging by the rehearsal dinner situation (above). The groom's sister sang, "We've Only Just Begun," by the Carpenters. The groom's parents later sang "Together Forever," from the musical "I Do, I Do." The bride and groom exchanged vows that had been written especially for them by the bride's sister. The prayer song was "Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us," again by the groom's sister. The bride and groom prayed separately - the groom's prayer almost had the bride in tears. The final song was "All Our Lives," also by the groom's sister. Can you tell that music plays a big part in the lives of this couple??

Both pastor fathers performed the ceremony and they presented a copy of "The Living Bible" to the couple.

The church was decorated with white flocked trees, white lights, and blue satin balls (did anyone notice the oversight on the bride's part - some sort of skirt under the trees would have been nice!) The church building had been sold, but the new building had experienced many delays and was not finished. The pews had been sold to a small church in Denver. For some reason the bride's father, the pastor of the church, let the members of the little church come and pick up the pews BEFORE the wedding! As long as the lights were out and the candles glowing, it looked okay. But those folding chairs looked a little less than elegant when the lights came on!

The honeymoon was to be in the Grand Canyon and vicinity. Just before the wedding, a storm blew in, which came from that direction. The travel agent encouraged the groom to change plans and not head into that situation. The first two nights were in Estes Park, until the groom developed a sinus infection! The couple headed down the mountain to see the doctor. While he was out getting checked over and medicated, the bride spent the time at the new apartment, opening gifts, hanging pictures, and generally making it habitable. The groom came back with an entirely new plan - stay home until after New Year's Day, then fly to California to Disneyland, Knotts' Berry Farm, and the Japanese Village. The couple had family over on New Year's Day to watch football and "dine" on Tuna Touchdown Casserole, in honor of the theme of the day.

The couple expected to bask in the warmth of California, but it was in the 60s. They froze! But considering that there was a huge storm back home, they felt blessed. Because of the weather, it was as though everyone cleared the streets for this couple to be alone on their honeymoon. It was glorious.

The years have brought many adventures, two beautiful children and now spouses and grandchildren, wonderful relationships with in-laws on both sides, and some heartbreaking challenges. But the marriage is stronger every year -- To God Be the Glory!

1972.....it was a very good year! Your post brought me back....loved the musical selections...and LOVED the photos! WOW....I saw Kristen all over your face! What a beautiful bride!

Interesting the things that seemed important for our wedding day---but mattered very little to the success of the marriage. Good job! Great work! And thank you God for keeping your hearts entwined...in spite of the floral bloop!!!! :)

Happy ANniversary!

You both looked so YOUNG! THIS, coming from another old married couple!!!! Way to go!

Congratulations and may you have many more wonderful years together!!! We have two weddings coming up in the next five months, my stepdaughter in February and my son in May, and I'm sure we'll have some stories to tell too. Thanks for sharing your memories!!!

I loved reading this, Dawn. Honestly, it was almost like being there. What a beautiful wedding. And what struck me is the things that went wrong, the missing pews, the missing tossing bouquet, probably were upsetting at the time but it surely doesn't show in your faces.

Thirty-four years is awesome. Happy Anniversary to both of you (a little late).

This new storm skipped right over us out here in Grand Junction. We got a little rain. I can't believe you all are going to have a new mess on top of the old mess. It's gorgeous - snow always is - but believe me, I know what you're going to be dealing with this holiday weekend.

I loved this post. Beautifully written, Dawn. Happy New Year to your and your family.

What a beautiful bride! Happy Anniversary. It sounds like a wonderful ride.

It's snowing here as I type. It's been going steadily for the last several hours. I think we must have about 4 inches again. This is such a rare treat; I can't believe we get 2 snowstorms like this in one season! It's nowhere near the storms you get up North, but we'll take it. And poor Kristen! LOL!

A beautiful love story Dawn. Don't the years go quickly? We'll celebrate our 40th in a couple of weeks. Forty years!!! The pictures are just so special - you both look wonderful.Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year.

About Me

Christian mother of 2, grandma of 4 girls, wife for 38 years, retired administrative assistant from a large university. I will still be with the grandkids often. It is a joy to have a part in nurturing them and showing them God's love.